Wow, It Matches!

Choosing things with the same patterns or colours - matching - might be a shortcut to 'pull things together'. However, because it is so obvious when things match, the result can be too simplistic for good design. We want design elements to relate to each other...and perhaps 'relate' is a better approach than 'match' in many cases. When items tie together but are not exactly the same, people enjoy the connections without thinking about them. "Matching" will draw more attention, and for positive effect might be introduced when it is unexpected, or to make a bold message apart from design.

A face paint design is fun when it unexpectedly

matches the colour of your clothes.

Dogs in clothes send a message. 

Owners and dogs in matching clothes send a 

stronger "pet lover" message.